Expert Witnessing. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

Prerequisites: ENGL 102 with a grade of C or higher, and a course fulfilling the History and Humanities GER200-level course with a grade of C or higher; Either FRSC 307 or HIST 320 with a grade of C or higher. Across US legal systems, expert evidence has become an increasingly important part of litigation. Experts testify on matters ranging from accident reconstruction, medical standards, and economic data to environmental and forensic analysis. Before trial, effective expert testimony often facilitates out-of-court settlements or plea bargains. During trial, effective expert testimony plays a crucial role in helping judges and juries decide cases. This class introduces students to the standards and practices surrounding expert testimony in legal cases. The class will give students whose post-graduate work may require them to prepare expert evidence an opportunity to build practical skills that will help them to work effectively with legal personnel and excel in providing expert testimony in depositions and in the court room.